This is a real story that happened with friend in my hometown. Some may disregard it as his figment of imagination, some as a weird coincident. But as a writer, it is my solemn duty to put it as dispassionately and truthfully as possible.
Just outside my village Viratnagar, there are some glorious relics from history. A huge limestone structure, built by Akbar the great for his Diwan-e-aam (public courts) during his conquests of Rajputana in 16th century. It is called 'Akbar ki chhatri' (Akbar's dome). A slightly similar version he built in Fatehpur Sikri as well. Years later, Shahjahan's architects took these two structures as an inspiration for building none other than the marvelous marbel Tajmahal.
A little ahead walking and there is a sprawling pilgrimage place for Digambar Jain community, known as "Nasiya ji". Some 2000 years of history associated with this now renovated place, serving as a popular marriage garden at times as well. Similarly, there are relics from Pandavas' hidden stay in Mahabharata age and the great emperor Asoka's Shila-lekh (stone writings).
Along this archaeologically significant traveling route of both ancient and modern times, there are my friend Naveen's farmlands. Or at least used to be, before they sold off a larger portion. His grandfather used to go to the farms daily and take care of the property, but with his beloved son and grandson in service based jobs now, it made sense to divest in the farmlands with not much water under the earth or produce above it. But they still maintain a small hut around the place. Just between their farmlands and the historical 'Akbar's chhatri', there stands a great banyan tree.
This banyan tree stood there when Naveen's grandfather was a toddler. Perhaps when even his grandfather was a toddler as well. To tell you the truth, I think no one will be able to guess just how ancient this banyan tree may be. This notion gets only stronger when you look at it in reality. Its span is beyond belief. Roots dangling from the branches and piercing the ground. In the summer, an entire battalion can rest in it's shade. Perhaps some did centuries back indeed.
One day, around 2005, Naveen was going to the next town late night to pick up his brother on his Hero Honda Passion Plus. He started late from the house because his brother's bus was running a little late. It was the start of monsoon season I guess and sky was foreboding a serious thunderstorm. On top of it all, it was a moonless night and the road had hardly any streetlights. 2005, remember?
It so happened that as soon as he started, barely a kilometre traveled and it started drizzling. He ignored it and went along the route. Suddenly there came a bumper on the road and Naveen slowed it down like a responsible driver. But the bike stopped. He kicked it 5-6 times, but it wouldn't yield. To add salt to the injury, the drizzle turned into a shower by now and a blinding bolt of thunder filled the night sky. In that moment, Naveen saw he was standing under the wingspan of the great banyan tree near their farm. He parked the bike at the side and took refuge under the tree's thick center area.
I didn't believe it years back and I can't believe it now too. But the way he described the feeling of standing under it gave me goosebumps for sure. He felt he wasn't alone in that moment. He felt something drawing him towards the tree and keeping him there. Even when the rain halted.
Naveen shook it all off, tilted his bike a little and kicked it again. Three four kicks and still it wouldn't start. But now he felt something pulling him closer to the tree even stronger. In panic, he dragged his bike forward in clutch and released in first gear. Bike started and it thundered in sky once more. Naveen reflected back to see that he was just outside the tree's wingspan. Suddenly he felt so light.
He shook it off considering it just his imagination and continued the journey. He picked his brother up and let him drive now in return. Just outside the village, the bike stopped again when slowed down at the same bumper. In that very moment, a sudden passing rain shower made the ominous feeling return to Naveen which he had experienced an hour back. Naveen's brother tried kickstarting the bike a few times futilely, and asked if they should wait for some moments under the banyan tree. Naveen got goosebumps when he looked in the pointed direction. With its thick branches, upside down roots and a huge span, the tree was not just intimidating, but alive as if it seemed. Naveen got a chilly feeling and took the bike from his brother. He dragged it some ten steps further and tried again. The bike started in just one kick. His brother didn't pay much heed to it and sat back. They returned home safely and Naveen recalled this strange coincident to the family the next day.
Everybody took it lightly and even made fun of him. But Naveen's grandfather did not speak an even remotely mocking word. As if he was aware and perhaps shared the same chilly feeling his grandson tried to describe just now. A feeling which makes even my hair raise whenever I cross this great banyan tree on my way around. Doesn't matter I believe in any supernatural or not, my friend believes he experienced something indescribable there. And I should believe my friend.
Do you believe Naveen too?
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